Latest news with #DVSS
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Rabies in Borneo 2025 Conference set for Sept 30 to Oct 1 in Kuching
A dog owner has their pets vaccinated against the rabies virus in this file photo. KUCHING (May 26): The fourth edition of the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2025 conference will take place from Sept 30 to Oct 1 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Themed 'Rabies-Free Borneo: Uniting People, Animals, and Communities', the two-day event is jointly organised by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd and the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), with support from the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development; the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Business Events Sarawak. Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, told reporters that the conference aims to bring together local and international delegates in a collective effort to eliminate rabies from Borneo, stressing the urgent need for coordinated action. 'We are trying to get global forces to come in and fight rabies in Borneo, knowing that it is a difficult task,' he said at a press conference held at his office inside the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here today. Since the outbreak in 2017, 4,912 samples from animals were collected and tested, of which 1,021 (23 per cent) returned positive results – including 125 cases involving cats. 'To date, 84 human rabies cases have been recorded, including the most recent incident, with 76 deaths due to delayed medical treatment,' Dr Rundi revealed, adding that all rabies survivors had received early vaccination following exposure to animal bites or scratches. With the recent case of infection involving a 13-year-old boy in Kuching, he stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention to prevent the virus from spreading and causing death. 'Please seek immediate medical treatment after being exposed to animal bites or scratches. 'Death from rabies is preventable, but we need cooperation from the public to make this happen,' he emphasised. The minister also urged animal lovers and pet owners to play their part in curbing this issue. 'We can raise dogs, but we must make sure that they are licensed and vaccinated so that they will cause problems in the future,' he added. Also present were Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben and Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak Director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom lead rabies Rabies in Borneo Conference
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
13MP: Sarawak Needs Large Allocation To Boost Ruminant Industry
KUCHING, May 23 (Bernama) -- Sarawak needs a bigger allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to strengthen the ruminant industry in the state, thereby achieving at least 50 per cent self-sufficiency for the local market. Serembu assemblyman, Miro Simuh said the ruminant industry needs to be given serious and comprehensive attention in the state's development planning so that Sarawak can be self-sufficient in meat supply, especially during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidiladha. 'I also propose that special attention be given to the Sarawak Ruminant Policy led by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS). 'There should be higher emphasis on matters such as improving genetic quality and focus on domestic breeding to attract small breeders or investments from larger and more modern private companies,' he said. He said this when debating the motion of thanks for the address of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. Miro said output from the ruminant industry in Sarawak is extremely low, with the state's ruminant industry self-sufficiency rate still below 20 per cent. According to him, the development of the local livestock feed industry also deserves attention as an important supporting component in the livestock industry chain. He proposed that the state government introduce certain incentives to attract local investors to set up livestock feed factories, thus boosting the ruminant industry ecosystem sustainably and comprehensively. He also proposed that DVSS conduct more training and technical courses, technology transfer and farm management for those interested in venturing into the livestock industry.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Serembu rep urges bigger budget to boost Sarawak's ruminant industry to achieve 50 pct self-sufficiency
Miro reiterates the need for a substantial allocation in the upcoming 13MP to strengthen the industry and help Sarawak meet at least half of its local demand through domestic production. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 23): Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh has proposed a larger budget allocation to further enhance the ruminant industry in Sarawak under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with the aim of achieving at least 50 per cent self-sufficiency in meeting local market demand. At the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, he said the policy direction for the development of the ruminant industry in Sarawak should prioritise improving productivity, reducing dependency on imported meat, enhancing genetic management efficiency, and ultimately strengthening income generation for farmers involved. 'However, current productivity levels in the ruminant industry remain very low. We are still heavily reliant on imported meat to meet domestic needs. 'Based on available data, the self-sufficiency level of our ruminant industry in Sarawak has yet to reach even 20 per cent,' he revealed. As such, Miro reiterated the need for a substantial allocation in the upcoming 13MP to strengthen the industry and help Sarawak meet at least half of its local demand through domestic production. He also called for greater focus on the Sarawak Ruminant Policy, led by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), which he said should prioritise three key areas. Firstly, the policy should emphasise genetic quality enhancement and increased domestic breeding. These efforts, he added, would help grow the number of livestock farmers in the state, including both smallholders and large-scale private sector investors operating modern farms. 'Only with financial assistance and government support can we afford to import diverse, high-quality breeds for breeding purposes in Sarawak, and thereby increase the number of cattle and goats available locally,' he said. Secondly, Miro underlined the importance of developing local animal feed production, describing it as a critical supporting industry within the livestock production cycle. 'The government could introduce specific incentives to encourage more local investors to venture into feed manufacturing. 'With the presence of local feed mills, the livestock and ruminant industries will be further stimulated in the years to come,' he said. Thirdly, he proposed that DVSS plan more courses and training programmes for those interested in joining the ruminant industry. 'Technical training, technology transfer, and sound farm management are essential to prepare and support aspiring livestock farmers,' he said. 13MP DUN Miro Simuh ruminant industry self sufficiency
Borneo Post
04-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
DVSS hosts livestock disease awareness programme in Serian
Participants from various Sarawak agencies gather at Ranchan Hall, Serian for the livestock disease awareness event. – DVSS photo via Facebook KUCHING (May 4): A total of 58 participants, including representatives from various government agencies in Serian took part in an awareness programme focused on lumpy skin disease (LSD) and foot and mouth disease (FMD), held at Ranchan Hall in Serian yesterday. Organised by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), the programme aimed to enhance participants' understanding of disease symptoms, preventive measures, and livestock health management strategies. In a Facebook post, DVSS stated that the event involved collaboration with several agencies including the Serian Resident Office, Serian District Office, Siburan District Office, Tebedu District Office and Balai Ringin Small District Office. The session featured a keynote address by Dr Sim Song Lin, a veterinary officer from Serian, who provided in-depth information on disease detection, prevention, and control strategies to minimise outbreaks and protect livestock productivity. 'The attendance of the participants reflects strong support for initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and preparedness in managing livestock diseases,' said a DVSS spokesperson. DVSS noted that several major livestock farms also joined the programme, including Mayang Breeding & Fattening Farm, Eco Farm Solutions Sdn Bhd, Samarahan Plantations Sdn Bhd, and PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd. Their involvement, it added, underscores the industry's commitment to sustainable farming through effective disease control. 'The programme is designed to boost awareness and knowledge among breeders while reducing the risk of LSD and FMD infections in the region,' it added. Department of Veterinary Services foot and mouth disease Lumpy Skin Disease
